Jamie Carragher says Liverpool should have considered a “proven winner” like Thomas Tuchel as a replacement for Jurgen Klopp.
Liverpool are currently negotiating with Feyenoord to sign Arne Slot. The 45-year-old revealed on Thursday he was “confident” of moving to Anfield as Klopp prepares to leave at the end of the season.
Slot has impressed in the Netherlands, winning the Eredivisie last season and the KNVB Cup with Feyenoord earlier this month, but Carragher is surprised Liverpool have not placed more focus on Tuchel, who is leaving Bayern Munich at the end of the season.
Registered mail The TelegraphSky Sports’ Carragher said: “I would have given more careful consideration to a coach like Thomas Tuchel, who beat Pep Guardiola in the ultimate test – a Champions League final.”
“Tuchel followed Klopp at Mainz and Borussia Dortmund and did well. “It didn’t work out for Bayern Munich this season, but you only have to look at Carlo Ancelotti and Unai Emery to see how top coaches recover from setbacks.”
The former Liverpool defender believes Tuchel’s reputation may have put Liverpool off: “If another English club takes Tuchel, that would convince me that they will improve significantly, but I feel like Liverpool don’t want a coach who has a reputation for being restless.”
“I would prefer a proven winner who might be hard to manipulate over a coach who is easy to manipulate but still has everything to prove.”
“My biggest concern is this: will Slot move to England and be ready to face Guardiola in the Premier League and Champions League?”
“Slot doesn’t excite Liverpool fans”
Carragher admitted that Slot, who has also coached AZ Alkmaar and SC Cambuur, has “credentials” having also led Feyenoord to the Conference League final in 2022.
But Carragher admitted the Dutchman’s arrival will not excite Liverpool fans, saying: “If Klopp was in charge next season, Liverpool would go forward and challenge again at home and in Europe. With Slot, this absolute faith will give way to hope.”
“This is in no way intended as criticism. When Klopp announced his move and Xabi Alonso ruled himself out, Liverpool’s options were limited.”
“No matter how brilliant Slot is – and no one wins a league title or takes a team to a European final without serious qualifications – the next coach would always be highly regarded, but not necessarily one who sets hearts aflutter.”
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The Guardian’s Jonathan Liew and The Times’ Charlotte Duncker discuss whether Liverpool will appoint Slot as Klopp’s successor
“Since the news of Slot broke, I have heard and read many opinions suggesting that the choice makes tactical sense and that the data on Feynoord’s style makes him a natural candidate.”
“Slot is an appointment made with the head rather than the heart. Klopp’s appeal was to the head and the heart.”
“When Klopp arrived in 2015, Liverpool fans were grateful that he had chosen the club, even though he couldn’t have waited for anyone in the world. When Slot arrives he will be grateful Liverpool picked him and will have to justify the selection. The appointment is more intriguing than exciting.
“Liverpool have had one of the two best coaches in the world for nine years. They are now betting on the next big thing instead of appointing a proven, real deal.”
How PL’s financial rules and Klopp similarities led Liverpool to slot
Melissa Reddy, Sky Sports News senior reporter:
Arne Slot has a strong track record in player development, exceeding his budget and resources compared to his competitors at AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord.
This is important when examining the football landscape and its impending changes.
We have seen the teeth of the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules, and with some clubs pushing for ‘anchoring’ and the introduction of a hard salary cap, the importance of work on the training pitches, the ability to develop young talent, etc. has been recognized that the opportunities to function well within the means will be more pronounced.
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Slot had an awkward exchange with Sky Sports News reporter Gary Cotterill when asked about taking the Liverpool job
Under Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool has been run in a healthy and sustainable manner and it makes sense to hire a manager who can continue to maximize their resources.
Most of the candidates Liverpool considered met these criteria, but Slot’s approach to play and philosophy, which fits so well with what Klopp has implemented at the club, is what sets him apart.
This means there are no massive tactical shakeups or adjustments. Liverpool have a vision and style of play that cuts across all age groups and determines the stylistic profile they recruit for. Therefore, it makes sense to continue with it.
The leap from the Eredivisie to a team that wants to win the Premier League and be a dominant force in Europe is a huge one, but any potential successor to Klopp carries risks.
“Slot brings crazy, sexy football”
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Slot gives an inspiring team speech after a big win against Ajax last season – his side went on to win the Eredivisie
Slot took over from Dick Advocaat at Feyenoord at the start of the 2021/22 season after the club finished fifth in the previous season.
Just two years later they became Eredivisie champions. He built a pressing team, played intense, attacking football and was able to win at the same time.
Speak with Sky SportsDutch football journalist Marcel van der Kraan said: “It was only a matter of time before another big English club came knocking.”
“Not only was he a successful manager, he also impressed with his very attacking style of play in the style of Pep Guardiola.
“He was a successful coach and made Feyenoord champions with crazy, sexy football. It’s sexy what this man brings to a football field.”
“There is nothing left for him to win here. The next step for him is to join a club in a big league and no league is bigger for the Dutch than the Premier League.”
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